UNMUTE: The Impact of a Pandemic on Gender Based Violence

UNMUTE is a free event being presented by Theatre of the Beat, Kindred Credit Union and the Assaulted Women’s Helpline. This is a special presentation in honour of International Day Against Victim Blaming.

UNMUTE premiered in recognition of domestic violence awareness month in November 2020. UNMUTE is a forum theatre piece that addresses the rise of domestic violence and gender-based assault during COVID-19.

While a family’s life may seem normal from the other side of the screen, abuse is lurking behind closed doors. Immerse yourself in this important and timely piece that gives audience members the chance to rehearse scenarios for real life. Audiences will learn skills and resources for how they can make a difference. Participate in changing the story through forum theatre.

There will be a crisis call worker from the Assaulted Women’s Helpline present at the show to give further insights and strategies for how to help friends and family members experiencing violence at home. This interactive, forum theatre piece will allow audience members to stop the action of the play and suggest different approaches to navigating these difficult situations around gender-based violence.